Global backlash spreads over Apple slowing down iPhones

Apple is facing legal action around the world for deliberately slowing down older iPhones.Consumer groups and ...

Posted: Jan. 12, 2018 1:19 PM

Updated: Jan. 12, 2018 1:19 PM

Apple is facing legal action around the world for deliberately slowing down older iPhones.

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Consumer groups and government authorities across three continents have filed complaints, opened investigations or sued Apple over the iPhone slowdown.

Apple claimed good intentions: It said that a recent software update helped prevent iPhones from suddenly shutting down. The company insists that it has "never -- and would never -- do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product."

That wasn't enough to satisfy some consumers and government officials, though.

Here's what's going on in several major countries around the world.Apple declined to comment to CNNMoney about any of these cases.

United States

More than 30 suits have been filed in the U.S. in a number of different courts throughout the country. Most of them focus on the claim that Apple slowed down users' phones without their knowledge or permission.

One of the most recent was filed by an iPhone owner on Monday in California, accusing Apple of "unfair business practices" and "breach of implied contract."

The plaintiff, Scott Grillo, said his iPhone "suffered material and increasing degradation" after a software upgrade.

Apple has also taken heat from a high-profile U.S. lawmaker over its handling of the controversy.

In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota criticized Apple's lack of communication with its customers.

"Even if Apple's actions were indeed only intended to avoid unexpected shutdowns in older phones ... there should have been better transparency with respect to these practices," wrote Thune, the chairman of the Senate's Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

South Korea

An advocacy group in South Korea, Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty, has sued Apple and its subsidiary in the country.

The group told CNN it filed a civil suit in a South Korean courton Thursday and is now preparing a criminal lawsuit alleging destruction of property.

More than 120 people have joined the suit, which seeks 2.2 million won ($2,050) in damages per plaintiff, according to Go Gye-hyun, the leader of the group. He admitted the amount they're seeking is ambitious.

France

The public prosecutor's office in Paris opened an inquiry into the iPhone slowdown after a consumer advocacy group called Stop Planned Obsolescence filed a complaint.

Under French law, it is a crime to deliberately shorten the lifespan of products in order to make consumers buy new ones. Executives caught violating the law can face prison sentences of up to two years, and their companies can be fined up to 5% of their annual sales, according to the group.

"At more than -1,200 ($1,400)per phone, these practices are unacceptable and cannot go unpunished. It is our mission to defend consumers and the environment," said Laetitia Vasseur, co-founder of the consumer group.